Matt Pond is back, but without the PA.
Pond’s new album, The Lives Inside the Lines of Your Hand, has been referred to as a solo work, but that seems unnecessary. There’s still an impressive line-up backing him, which has always been the case. Back before he disassociated himself from the PA, Matt Pond PA had only two ever-present members: Matt Pond and Chris Hansen. Behind them stood a constantly rotating supporting cast, some of which still appear on the album. Hansen hasn’t disappeared, either. The musician is credited heavily on Lives as playing everything from banjo and bass to keyboards; he even stepped up to produce yet again.
So, what’s the difference? Not much, other than a few more chipper tunes. Lines fits perfectly into the PA wheelhouse, with the vast majority of the album falling into the graceful, background-filling stylings of all of Pond’s previous albums. The only added additions are a couple more upbeat songs, including the album’s first single, “Love to Get Used To” with snappy, poppier arrangements.
In other words, Matt Pond PA fans won’t be disappointed in the Matt Pond appearance on Fountain Square. With the two main men remaining in the lineup, there will be plenty of older, PA works. The sans-PA stuff should only add to the performance.
MATT POND performs Friday, July 5 with Margot and the Nuclear So & So's and Matrimony on Fountain Square downtown. Check out performance times and get venue details here.
